AIRSHIP TRIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 82, 15 July 1910, Page 5

AIRSHIP TRIALS.

CAUSE OF THE BALLOON FATALITY. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received July 14, 10.10 p.m. London, July 14. The Beta airship, journeying to Bournemouth, broke a crank and was compelled to descend at Andovw. Berlin, July 13. Victims of the Erbsloch disaster include Erblosch, a well-known balloonist, who was designer of the airship. It is believed the motor exploded and burst the envelope. Received July 14, 10.10 p.m. Berlin, July 14. Erbsloch's log says he started at 9 o'clock in the morning in a thick fog northwards. At 9 o'clock the earth was invisible. Later, with a thick fog under them they were goinu downwards with a vertical rudder. The height at 9.15 was 280 metres. Experts believe that the contents of the gasbag cooled in the clinging mist. When the airship rose into the sun's burning rays the gas expanded so rapidly that it was imposible to let enough air out of the air chamber in time to relieve the presnre. The envelope thus burst. When it fell the rear part of the envelope was still full of gas; hence there could have been no explosion of petrol. The airship plunged a thousand feet, bow downwards, and the motor was still working when it struck the ground. The victims were dreadfully mangled. All had shattered skulls, clenched hands, and shoes torn off in the shock. Disentanglement of tile corpses from the wreckage was difficult.

GENERAL GABLES. EMPIRE DAY. By Cable.—Press Association—Copyright Received July 14, 10.10 p.m. London, July 14. The Earl of Meath states that "but for King Edward's death, 19,942 schools, aggregating 4,099,895 scholars, would have celebrated Empire Dajr. THE FLOODED SEINE. Received July 14, 10.10 p.m. Paris, July 14. The Seine is falling. MR. ROOSEVELT. Received July 14, 10.10 p.m. New York, July 14. Mr. Roosevelt's latest utterances are interpreted as seeking to' secure the adaption of Mr. Hughes' policy of direct nominations at the primary elections. AMERICAN RAILWAY STRIKE. Received July 14, 10.10 p.m. New York, July 14. The trainmen and conductors on the Pennsylvania Railroad have decided to strike unless their grievances are met. There are indications of a settlement being arrived at.

GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK. New York, July 13. ' It is 'reported that Mr. Taf t is urging W. Loeb, secretary to the President, to become a candidate for the Governorship of New York State. His acquiescence is, however, considered doubtful. HOMICIDE AND SUICIDE. Berlin, July 13. A greengrocer at Helmstait, in Brunswick, shot his wife and two children dead, and severely injured three other children, and then committed suicide. Poverty was the reason of the crime.